Age Spots :: The Anti-Aging & Aesthetic Institute

The term ‘age spots’ refers to the brown spots seen on UV sun-damaged (photo damaged) skin. Photo damage or sun damage is the process by which the ultraviolet rays of the sun harm our skin and its appearance. As we are exposed to the sun, our skin’s collagen and elastin become degraded and the ability of our skin to produce healthy cells is impaired. There is often a change in pigment as cells are damaged. These ‘age spots’ are a form of hyperpigmentation, that is, the darkening of skin caused by an increase in melanin. They tend to become visible on the areas of the body, which over time, receive the most sun exposure. They can be found anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the hands, face, chest, shoulders, and arms. Hyperpigmentation is one of the five signs of sun-aged skin.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Enlarged Pores

Sagging Skin

Spider Veins

Brown Spots including Freckles and Solar Letigines

As you can see from the list above, there are different types of brown spots. Two of the most common are solar lentigos (age spots) and ephiledes (freckles). Exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun and tanning beds damage the melanocytes, which are cells in the epidermis (the skin's surface layer) that produce melanin pigment. This damage causes irregular production of pigment, which appears as freckles or age spots.

While most of us want to remove brown spots for vanity purposes, trying to achieve an even tone to our skin, there are more serious reasons to rid the skin of hyperpigmentation. The most important thing if you see any pigmented lesion on your skin is to not assume that it’s benign. If you notice a lesion on your skin, especially if it has any changes in color or shape, Dr. Roy can determine if further testing is necessary. You may need to have a biopsy performed to determine if the lesion is benign or not. Once it has been determined that it is benign, there are a variety of lasers and other treatments that can be used to improve or remove it.

There are very effective ways to treat these brown spots at the superficial and deep dermal layers. Advanced LASER technology and other medical treatments are able to target the areas of the affected skin and effectively diminish, if not completely reverse the damage.

Cynosure® Affirm Anti-Aging Laser

Cynosure® Apogee Elite Laser

Azelaic Acid

Tretinoin (not during pregnancy)

Topical Creams like Hydroquinone

Levulan (Aminolevulinic Acid) & LED Light Therapy

Transdermal Infusion using the latest iontophoresis technology; Vitamin
C, Kojic Acid, Hydroquinone and other melanocytes inhibitors

Medical Grade Skin Care | performance products that induce cellular
change and reversal of melanocyte DNA mutation and thus reversal of UV
damage at the cellular level.

Medical grade chemical peels

Oral Grapeseed Extract

Melasma, or chloasma or the ‘mask of pregnancy’ as it is also called, are tan or brown spots which discolor the skin. It is most commonly found among women, especially pregnant women or those taking hormone replacement therapy medications.

Generally the symptoms include dark patches and spots on the cheeks, nose, forehead or upper lip. They may develop and worsen over time. Melasma is a purely cosmetic concern.

Genetics, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, and extrinsic factors such as sun exposure are thought to be the cause of melasma. Hormones stimulate the production of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in our skin, as they become exposed by the sun. The increased melanin production causes the spotting we see with melasma.

As with most skin conditions, the sun doesn’t help melasma. Wearing sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection will help protect the skin and diminish the factors contributing to a worsening of the condition.